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17 or 18 foot boat #10964329 07/08/15 09:15 PM
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etexbasser Offline OP
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I am about to buy a new boat and am curious about what y'all think about size. I am going to get either a ranger or triton aluminum crappie boat and can't decide between the 17 foot or 18 foot. I am not into speed so that does not matter, just looking for some thoughts on the matter of boat size. I will be fishing smaller lakes mostly, Nacogdoches, Naconiche, Murval, etc. That is what I like and I like taking my grandkids with me. So I was just curious. They all have the same beam and bottom, so the length is the only difference.

Thanks for your input.

later...don


Don Chumley
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But mostly I'm happy.
I love being retired, the check is in the mail.
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Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10964412 07/08/15 09:50 PM
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Kingcarl Offline
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Very interested in this as well.

Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10964418 07/08/15 09:52 PM
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Ken Gaby Offline
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Definitely an 18 footer for me. Especially if you're taking other people fishing. The extra foot will not hamper your fishing ability on small water but will really help accommodate extra people and take the waves much better. The overall ride is better with the 18.


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Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10964420 07/08/15 09:53 PM
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timbertoes Offline
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I would also consider Crestliner boats.
and 18' for sure.

Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10964474 07/08/15 10:29 PM
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Jacob Offline
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I have a 17ft Triton fiberglass. I fish Lake Nac, Naconiche, and Murvaul. It's perfect for weaving through stump fields. It can get through places that big boys won't. Never felt unsafe in it. Get the biggest beam possible on any aluminum boat. I ride in my buddy's 18ft, and really there's not a noticeable difference to me. Maybe a tiny bit more front deck. I would maybe consider the 18ft just for a little added weight. A little easier to keep still and stable in the water, maybe a little smoother ride, and room for the grandkids.


Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10964512 07/08/15 10:45 PM
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SLABXPRESS Offline
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BIGGER!!!


Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10964544 07/08/15 11:07 PM
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ZackP Offline
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Size matters.


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Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10964577 07/08/15 11:30 PM
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Ruffneck2000 Offline
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18 nuff said lol!


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Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10964590 07/08/15 11:39 PM
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etexbasser Offline OP
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Sounds like 18 wins the curiousity contest. I was kinda leaning that way anyway. I have an 18 foot ranger now and really like it, just ready for a new boat and wanted to go back to aluminum. Thanks for the replies.

later...don


Don Chumley
If I ain't fishing, I ain't happy.
But mostly I'm happy.
I love being retired, the check is in the mail.
Mt. 6:33
Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10964595 07/08/15 11:45 PM
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one-3lb-er Offline
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18', put a 80#, 24V TM on it, Sweet


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Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10964606 07/08/15 11:53 PM
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Tipps Offline
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18

Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10964892 07/09/15 02:16 AM
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SLABXPRESS Offline
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18 will also be wider, which to me is a bigger deal than length.
I just went from a 17' Xpress to an 18' Ranger, and there is NO comparison in the amount of room!
Worth every penny to go up a notch. 17s are usually bare minimum models.

Last edited by SLABXPRESS; 07/09/15 02:17 AM.

Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10964905 07/09/15 02:23 AM
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Laner Offline
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I would go 18.



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Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10965046 07/09/15 03:35 AM
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kyle210 Offline
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Definetly 18

Re: 17 or 18 foot boat [Re: etexbasser] #10965205 07/09/15 10:04 AM
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OkieBob Offline
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I don't recall ever hearing anyone say, 'man, I sure wish I'd bought a smaller boat'!!!!!


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